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Speed talks about these rifles in his book on sporting Mausers. Intermediate length, small rings that were left over from the GEW tests and the only ones Oberndorf ever sold commercially were retailed to Rigby.

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Wrong. Only the ones Oberndorf sold to Britain went to Rigby. Others, maybe even earlier ones, were sold to German gunmakers. These were 1897 small ring tests actions, already featuring many 98 features, like gas shield, third locking lug, C-collar inside receiver ring, but still cock on closing like the Spanish and Swedish Mausers. Some photos of such rifles on very early, cock on closing, transitional actions:
Rigby's serial number 1059, Mauser commercial serial number 10, receiver dated 1897:


Rifle here in Germany, restocked and rebarreled, Mauser # 19:


Rifle by Sauer & Sohn, Suhl,in 8x57I, Mauser # 279:

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